Momma’s Protective Instincts
Since we celebrate moms today, it seems like a good time to reflect on motherly instincts and how they manifest through various behaviors:
Moms who…
- …return home to fetch projects, costumes, or lunches children forgot
- …tie shoes, zip jackets, unpack backpacks, or carry their children to class
- …get defensive when confronted about their children’s behavior
- …have difficulty setting boundaries
- …email, call, or show up to inquire about their children getting picked on
We might not like it when these things happen, but each one is a sign of a mother’s desire to protect and defend. When I look at these behaviors through this lens, I feel badly about some of the knee-jerk teacher reactions I’ve had over the years about some parents with whom I’ve worked:
That mother…
- …always makes excuses for her child. She refuses to face the facts.
- …does everything for her child. She needs to cut the umbilical cord.
- …never checks the daily behavior folder. She doesn’t care.
- …is always asking me about what I’ve done. What about her child?
- …is a teacher. She should know better.
In a nutshell, let’s assume positive intent and show more empathy towards mothers rather than judgment. Though we might not always understand why some moms behave the way they do, I choose to believe they do so out of love, which is a beautiful thing.
Happy Mothers’ Day, moms.